How to wash clothing infested with fleas? - briefly
Launder the garments in hot water (≥130 °F/54 °C) with detergent and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes to eliminate all fleas. For extra assurance, pre‑soak items in a mixture of one cup white vinegar per gallon of water before washing.
How to wash clothing infested with fleas? - in detail
Cleaning garments that have become a flea habitat requires a method that eliminates both adult insects and eggs. Begin by separating affected items from other laundry to prevent cross‑contamination. Place the clothing in a washing machine capable of reaching at least 130 °F (54 °C); temperatures below this threshold allow flea eggs to survive.
Use a heavy‑duty detergent and add a flea‑targeted additive, such as a liquid insecticidal soap approved for fabrics or a small amount of boric acid. Follow the product’s dosage instructions precisely. Run a full wash cycle, then immediately start a high‑heat drying cycle. A dryer set to the highest safe temperature for the fabric (typically 140 °F/60 °C) for at least 30 minutes guarantees that any remaining fleas are killed.
If the fabric label prohibits high temperatures, soak the items in hot water (130 °F/54 °C) with detergent for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. After washing, store the clothing in sealed plastic bags for 48 hours; fleas cannot survive without a blood meal and will die during this period.
Additional precautions:
- Vacuum the area where the clothing was stored; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister with hot water.
- Inspect seams, cuffs, and folds; manually remove any visible insects before washing.
- Treat the surrounding environment with an appropriate indoor flea spray to reduce re‑infestation risk.
- Wash all bedding, towels, and pet accessories using the same temperature and drying protocol.
After completing the process, verify that no live fleas remain by examining the fabric under a bright light. Repeat the washing cycle if any are detected. Implement regular laundering of household textiles at high temperatures to maintain a flea‑free environment.